The country’s leading manufacturers have agreed to keep prices stable for basic goods for the next 30 to 60 days to cushion the impact of the war in the Middle East on consumers, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she has secured the commitment of a total of 21 manufacturers during a meeting on Monday, March 16, to temporarily keep prices of basic necessities and prime commodities at the same level.

She said some of the manufacturers are even ready to maintain the same prices for up to 60 days.

“We thank our manufacturing partners for their commitment and shared concern for Filipino consumers,” Roque said in a statement.

“We recognize the financial strain faced by consumers while also acknowledging the cost pressures confronting manufacturers. Our priority remains to ensure fair and reasonable pricing,” she added.

For the next 30 days, Roque said there will be no price increases for canned sardine brands such as Unipak, 555, Ligo, Lucky 7, Fresca, Morjon, Golden Town, and Mega.

Processed canned meat produced by CDO, bread products under Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal, bottled water from Wilkins and Nature’s Spring, and condiments such as Datu Puti’s soy sauce and vinegar, and Lorins’ patis (fish sauce), will also see their prices remain unchanged.

Also included are toilet and laundry soaps such as Safeguard Pure White, Tide Bar Original Scent, and Green Cross Pure White, as well as candles from Liwanag.

For brands keeping their prices stable for the next 60 days, the DTI said these include Lucky Me, Ho-Mi, Argentina, Lucky 7, 555, Swift Premium, Wow!, and Shanghai.

The agency added that some manufacturers of brands like Kopiko, Nescafe, San Mig Coffee 3-in-1, and Export candles have pledged to hold off price increases “for the time being.”

“The DTI remains committed to working closely with [the] industry to ensure steady supply and stable prices of basic goods, protecting Filipino consumers at all times,” said Roque.

Roque has said that the domestic supply of basic necessities and prime commodities is still sufficient to meet demand, with current inventory seen to last until May.

She earlier warned that prices of basic goods may increase due to higher logistics costs influenced by the surge in fuel prices.

For those taking advantage of the current situation by hoarding and profiteering, Roque stressed that up to 15 years’ imprisonment and hefty fines await violators.